Ferry to Videy Island | Departure from Reykjavik Old Harbour

Catch a ferry from Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík, to Viðey, the largest island in the picturesque Kollafjörður fjord. This is an unmissable opportunity for those mainland travellers in Iceland looking to further explore some of the country's charming island communities.

Iceland is so brimming with fantastic natural attractions, it's often easy to forget that there are a great number of explorable islands just waiting off the coast. Viðey is one such island, a destination that boasts fascinating history, culture and nature, despite its rather diminutive size.

From Reykjavík's Old Harbour, the ferry transfer to Viðey takes approximately twenty minutes, during which time you can enjoy the fresh sea air on deck, or the comfort of the boat's interior, planning your day's adventure.

On Viðey, there are a number of trails perfectly suited to exploring by foot or bike. The island covers approximately 1.7 square kilometres, meaning its easy to explore within a single day. Along these hiking trails, you will be able to find amazing vantage points where you'll have a great view over the island, the ocean and, of course, mainland Iceland. Naturally, you will also get a first-hand look at the wide variety of birdlife that calls Viðey home.

There's much to do culturally on Viðey too. Aside from Yoko Ono's Peace tower (a testament to her late husband, the artist and ex-Beatle, John Lennon) and Richard Serra's Milestone Projects, guests here will be privy to one of the country's oldest churches, as well as the first stone building in Iceland. Within this historical building sits Viðeyjarstofa Café, a perfect spot for a coffee, tea or bite to eat.

So what's the holdup? Hurry now and you too experience this efficient ferry transfer from Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík, to Viðey. Check availability by choosing a date.

Quick facts

Tour information:

Available: May. - Sep.

Duration:
20 minutes

Activities:
Sightseeing, Boat Trip

Difficulty:
Easy

Languages:
English

Highlights:

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world.

Despite a small population (120.000 and more than 200.000 in the Greater Reykjavik area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever increasing number of visitors. It is the financial, cultural and governmental centre of Iceland. It also has a reputation of being one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.

Geography

The city of Reykjavik is located in southwest Iceland by the creek of the same name. Throughout the ages, the landscape has been shaped by glaciers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the area is geothermal. Much of the current city area area was subglacial during the Ice Age, with the glacier reaching as far as the Álftanes peninsula, while other areas lay under the sea. After the end of the ice age the land rose as the glaciers drifted away, and it began to take on its present form.

The coastline of Reykjavik is set with peninsulas, coves, straights and islands, most notably the island of Videy, and seabirds and whales frequent the shores. The mountain ring as seen from the shore is particularly beautiful. Mount Esja is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavik and lends its distinct feature to the whole area. This majestic mountain is also highly popular for climbing. Other notable mountains that can be seen from the seaside are Akrafjall and Skardsheidi and on clear days one may even see as far to the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier, at the end of the Snafellsnes peninsula.

The largest river to run through the city is Ellidaa in Ellidaardalur valley, which is also one of Iceland‘s best rivers for salmon fishing.

Transportation

There are no trains or trams in Iceland, but most people travel by car. The city also operates a bus system. There are two major harbours in town, the old harbour in the centre and Sundahofn in the east. The domestic Reykjavik Airport is located at Vatnsmyrin, not far from the city centre and close to Oskjuhlid and Perlan. The international Keflavik Airport at Midnesheidi heath then lies around 50 km from the city. Cars, jeeps and bicycles can be readily rented in the city and many organized tours are also being offered.

What to See & Do in Reykjavik

The local arts scene is strong in Iceland, with both annual events and single ones, many of whom have hit the international stage. For the annual ones please check our articles Best Annual Events in Iceland and the Top Ten Festivals in Iceland. Major events taking place in Reykjavik include the Iceland Airwaves, Gay Pride, RIFF (The Reykjavik International Film Festival), The Reykjavik Literature Festival, Cultural Night, the Reykjavik Arts Festival, Food & Fun, the Reykjavik Fashion Festival and the Sónar music festival.

Among famous people from Reykjavik are artists Bjork Gudmundsdottir, Sigur Ros, writers Halldor Laxness (born in Laugavegur) and Arnaldur Indridason and mayor Jon Gnarr. For more well-known and fairly-well known Icelanders, check our article on the subject.

You might also want to check our article on some of the many things to see and do in Reykjavik, such as visiting the city‘s many museums, exhibitions and galleries, checking out live music, visiting the Harpa music hall or the theatres, visiting the lighthouse at Grotta, the main shopping street of Laugavegur, visiting the old harbour and the flea market, going on a bird- and whale watching tour or visiting Videy island. We also have a top ten list of things to do.

Make sure to visit the public square of Austurvollur, one of the city‘s most popular gathering places, where you‘ll also find the national parliament, Althingi, the state church a statue of independence hero Jon Sigurdson, as well as cafés, bars and restaurants. Austurvollur was central in the 2008 protests, along with Laekjargata, home to the House of Government. You are also not likely to miss the great church of Hallgrimskirkja that towers over the city from the hill of Skolavorduholt, wherefrom you‘ll get a great view of the city.

Try a walk by the city pond, greet the many birds that frequent the area and visit the city hall, stationed by its banks. The Hljomaskalagardur is a beautiful park that lies by the pond, it ideal for a nice walk and sometimes concerts get held there. Further off is the campus of the university of Iceland, the Nordic house and the Vatnsmyri wetland, a particularly pleasant place, but be mindful of not disturbing the wildlife there and keep to the pathways.

For a nice swim on a warm day, we particularly recommend Nautholsvik beach.

Visit the Laugardalur valley, home to one of the city‘s best swimming pools, as well as the Asmundarsafn gallery, a beautiful botanical garden and a domestic zoo. A walk by the Aegissida beach, with it‘s old fishing sheds, in the west part of Reykjavik also holds a particular charm. The aforementioned Elllidaardalur valley is also a popular resort.

Another place that offers one of the city‘s best (and free) views is Perlan, up in Oskjuhlid hill. The hill itself is a popular resort, with over 176.000 trees and great opportunities for walking and cycling.

Travel to Alftanes to see the president‘s house at Bessastadir, which is also a historical site in it‘s own right, having been the educational centre of Iceland for centuries. Nearby is a beautiful lava field, Galgahraun, well worth a visit, though there is currently an environmental struggle going on as to it‘s future state.

The city is furthermore a short drive from many of Iceland‘s major attractions, most famously the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. In close vicinity you‘ll also find the Heidmork preservation area, a favourite pastime resort of the people of Reykjavik, as well as the Blue Mountains, one of Iceland‘s most beloved skiing venues.

Finally, we‘d like to stress that these are only some suggestions of the many things you might check out in Reykjavik. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you‘ll be able to make the most of your visit and we wish you a pleasant stay in our capital.

Faxafloi is a large bay in the southwest of Iceland, located between the peninsulas Snaefellsnes (to the north) peninsula and Reykjanes (to the south).

The main fjords of the bay are Borgarfjordur, Hvalfjordur, Kollafjordur and Hafnarfjordur. Some of Iceland's largest towns are located by the bay and Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, lies on its southeastern shore.

Faxafloi bay is popular for whale- and birdwatching, sea angling and has great fishing grounds. In Kollafjordur is Videy Island, featuring the Lennon/One Peacetower, Richard Scerra's 'Milestones' and other attractions, along with great birdlife. The mountain ring seen from the bay, among which Snaefellsjokull glacier may be spotted on clear days, is particularly beautiful.

From the Skarfabakki pier at Sundahofn harbour in Reykjavik (around 5 km from the center) you can take a ferry to Videy island in Kollafjordur bay.

Videy is best known internationally as the location for the Imagine Peace Tower, envisioned and built by Yoko Ono, widow of musician and ex-Beatle John Lennon. Videy had a monastery in the Middle Ages and Skuli Magnusson, often called 'the father of Reykjavik' resided here. His house, Videyjarstofa, now displays paintings by renowned Icelandic artists.

A great sculpture by one of the world's most renowned sculptors can be found on the west side of the island, Richard Serra's Milestones.

Videy is an important historical site and has beautiful nature, with spectacular rock formations along its coast. Over 30 bird species breed on the island.

Many well-known Icelanders rest in the island's graveyard, among them the great author Gunnar Gunnarsson, who wrote such masterworks as Fjallkirkjan ('The Church on the Mountain'), Svartfugl (The Black Cliffs) and Adventa ( The Good Shepherd).

Reykjavík Harbour is located close to the centre of the city and is the main port of departure for whale and puffin watching tours, as well as Northern Lights cruises.

Usually referred to as ‘the Old Harbour’, the original purpose of the area, for fisheries and trade, has given way to tourism in recent years. Not only do many tours leave from here, but it is close to museums such as the Viking Maritime Museum and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. You can also go fishing recreationally from the pier.

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LIABILITY: Elding Whale Watching reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables, change or cancel tour dates should the necessity arise, including irregularities due to adverse weather. The tours are run in wild nature and we can never guarantee sightings on a particular tour. In the unlikely event that no whales or dolphins are spotted during the tour we do not refund the tour price but offer a complimentary whale watching tour valid for two years. The estimated duration of tours are standard times and can change according to sea conditions. All activities are undertaken entirely at clients own risk and they must behave in a fit and proper manner at all times in accordance with Elding Whale Watching guidelines and must take proper responsibility for their own safety. All tours and outdoor activities carry inherent risks and Elding Whale Watching does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions or are caused by factors outside of human control (Force majeure). Elding Whale watching, it’s managers and staff accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of passenger’s property on our boats. With the purchase of your trip you agree to these conditions, understand its implications and accept responsibility for your participation during your tour.